THE man who took the Salvation Army to the US is to be honoured in his home town thousands of miles away.

George Railton, born in Arbroath, Angus in 1849 and who became the first "national commander" of the charity in the US, will have a commemorative plaque unveiled in his name at St John's Methodist Church in the town.

A similar memorial already stands in Battery Park, New York.

Mr Railton lost both his parents when he was 15 years old and left Arbroath for work in London. He joined the Salvation Army when in the capital and travelled to New York in 1880 to start its first mission in the US.

The Salvation Army said it is now the second biggest charity in the US, with 123,843 members.

Major Jim McCluskey, former commanding officer of the charity in Arbroath, said: "Railton is one of Arbroath's most famous sons and his role in the Salvation Army cannot be overestimated. Without him, I don't think it would exist in the form it does today.

"We are absolutely delighted to be involved in a project which will bring new recognition to such an important figure. The Railton family history extends beyond our shores and is something which Angus can be very proud of and should be celebrated."

The charity operates in 125 countries and has around 800 centres in the UK and Ireland. It said it helps around 30 million people in the US every year with social services such as providing food and shelter for homeless people, giving relief to disaster victims and caring for elderly people.

Commissioner William Roberts, leader of the Salvation Army in the US, said it the charity will always be grateful to the work of Mr Railton.

"His bold leadership immediately captured the attention of the American public and his organisational skills cast a sure foundation for the army that still profits us to the present day," he said.

"As one of those who are the beneficiaries of his legacy, first as a Salvationist and now in my present appointment as his successor as national commander, I am grateful for the fruit still born from his sowing.

"I am stirred by the example of unflagging dedication and I am honoured to wear with pride the uniform that he first modelled when he landed at Battery Park in New York City in 1880."